The Experience Requirements Committee (ERC) assesses whether individuals have
acquired the professional experience required for licensure. It plays a critical role in
safeguarding the public interest by ensuring all applicants have gained the appropriate
scope and depth of experience to practise architecture safely and competently in Ontario.
It is a statutory committee established under the Architects Act (the Act) and Regulation 27
(the regulations), with its members appointed by Council.
The ERC is responsible for reviewing the experience submissions of individuals and
determining whether they have fulfilled the minimum requirements set out in Regulation
27. This includes confirming the completion of supervised architectural experience across
a range of core competencies relevant to the practice of architecture. The supervision must
be provided by an individual authorized to practise architecture in the relevant jurisdiction,
and the experience must demonstrate adequate exposure to the full breadth of
architectural practice.
The Committee’s assessments are grounded in the competencies established through the
national Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) and the Canadian Standard of Competency for Architects. These frameworks outline the essential skills and knowledge
required for entry to independent architectural practice in Ontario. By aligning its
evaluations with these national benchmarks, the ERC ensures a consistent and
transparent approach to experience assessment that reflects both the expectations of the
architectural profession and the public interest.
Operating with delegated authority of the Act, the ERC functions as an administrative
decision-making committee. Its decisions are made by majority vote during formally
constituted meetings and are binding within its statutory mandate. The ERC upholds fair
and consistent standards that support the integrity of the profession while aligning with
principles of right-touch regulation. It plays a vital role in ensuring licensure candidates
possess the knowledge and competencies essential to independent architectural practice
in Ontario.
As per Sections 13(3)b and 13.1(3) of the Architects Act, the Registrar, on their own initiative, can (and on the request of an applicant, shall) refer an application for the issuance of licence or limited licence to the ERC for a determination as to whether the applicant has met the experience requirements prescribed.
Additionally, the Committee will assess and provide a recommendation as to whether an individual has met the experience requirements prescribed by the regulations for the issuance of licence or limited licence in matters related to Exemption Requests to Council as set out in Section 33 of the regulations.
The Committee comprises the following members appointed by Council:
- at least one elected member of the Council; and
- at least three members of the Association who are not on Council.
Typically, an elected member of Council sits as Chair, with OAA staff support provided by the Registrar and the Administrator, Licence and Registration.
The ERC meets approximately nine times a year and operates on a calendar basis. Its work can also be conducted in a spontaneous manner between formal meetings.
To see its current membership, click here.
Once an individual has confirmed acceptance of an assessment interview with the Experience Requirements Committee, they receive the following information five weeks in advance of the assessment interview date:
- confirmation of date, time, and location;
- request for required documentation;
- list of all ERC members (to identify any potential conflict of interest); and
- guidelines for assessment questioning;
Individuals submit the following as part of the application:
- a list of all buildings for which they have been personally involved in the employment and under the personal supervision and direction of a licence or limited licence holder—over the past five years—that indicates the type, size, cost, and date for each;
- a detailed description of their involvement and specific role on two projects that offer examples of work experience, submitted inclusive of architectural documentation (i.e. construction documents and contract administration material); and
- an explanation of how the applicant’s experience is relevant to the practice of architecture in Ontario.
During the assessment interview, an individual can expect the following sequence of procedures:
- The individual has five minutes at the beginning of the assessment to introduce themselves and elaborate on their experience, clarify their project submissions, and explain their personal history. The ERC panel may ask questions to seek clarity.
- The assessment interview proceeds in a questions-and-answer manner.
- The individual may have access to Ontario's Building Code, as well as their submitted documents, for reference. Otherwise, it is a closed book assessment, no other material or resources may be used.
- The individual may be asked to sketch building details during the assessment.
- The individual will have the assessment questions displayed and read aloud. Translators may also be made available on request.
- Once the assessment question period is complete, the Chair will ask the individual to recuse themselves while the panel deliberates and makes its determination.
- The ERC will determine whether the individual has met the experience requirements prescribed by the regulations for the issuance of the licence or limited licence. This determination requires the vote of a majority of the Committee members present.
- The individual is then asked to rejoin the panel and is presented with the ERC determination. The ERC panel’s written decision and reasons are subsequently sent to the individual within seven business days of the assessment.
For assessments related to an exemption request to Council, the individual is excused at the completion of the question period. The subsequent panel recommendation is shared prior to submission to the OAA Council.
Any individual seeking more information on the Experience Requirements Committee should direct their inquiry to licence@oaa.on.ca.